About this campground
One or two viewing blinds are set up each spring at the Bessey Ranger District to watch the mating dances of prairie grouse. The blinds have small square viewing windows for observing and photographing birds as they are dancing and booming on their display grounds, also known as leks. View an amateur video taken from a blind - turn up the sound! Both viewing blinds are first come, first served. Visitors should plan to enter the blind at least 45 minutes before sunrise to avoid disrupting the lek. Please be courteous to fellow viewers, if present. Viewing tips: Dress warmly and bring a blanket. Bring binoculars, a spotting scope or a camera with telephoto lens. A flashlight will help navigate the dark.
Getting there
Here is a printable vicinity map (.pdf).
Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
Explore more South Dakota camping
Grouse Viewing Blinds - Bessey doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby South Dakota campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
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